Beijing—Chinese state media has called on the Philippines to withdraw the US Typhon missile system from the South China Sea, accusing Manila of breaking its promise regarding the deployment.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the missiles would remain unless China ceases its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, including territorial claims, harassment of fishermen, and military provocations.
The Philippine National Security Council (NSC) also rejected the demand, asserting that the Typhon system is for defense purposes only and that China’s growing missile arsenal poses the real regional threat.
The Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) system, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 interceptors, was recently relocated within Luzon as part of military testing.
The issue underscores escalating tensions between the Philippines, China, and the US in the contested waters of the South China Sea.